A PUB at the heart of a South Somerset village has been relaunched after having its doors closed for three years.

The Bell Inn at Broadway has undergone a huge refurbishment, led by local builder Robert Doak.

It is being run by his friend and business partner Ashley Preece, who is also a local.

The business enjoyed a soft opening in the week before Christmas and has now rolled out its full menu offering.

Ashley said: “The pub was purchased about 18 months ago, and has since undergone a complete refurbishment.

“I was working at a hotel in Ilminster, but I am from Horton. My partner lives in Donyatt, so we are both from the area.

“I was born and bred in the village so this is really going to be a community pub open all day every day, serving food throughout.”

After the successful soft launch, the pub has now unveiled its full menu.

“It is going very well and we had a great start,” Ashley added.

“I am enjoying it much more than the hotel. We are doing it all and it is nice being in the community, getting to meet people - not just passing trade.

“It is going to take a little bit of time to build up but we have things planned to help bring people in.”

The Bell Inn is hosting a charity quiz night once a month, and money raised will go towards Horton and Broadway’s elderly and vulnerable.

Ashley said: “Every four months the money raised will be used to have a meal where they can come together, for the elderly and more lonely in the village.

“It is a nice community thing.

“The first quiz night was December 23 and it was a huge success. The next one is January 27.”

The team, which has 24 members of staff, will also be holding Thai food evenings on Wednesdays, and live music on the first Sunday of every month.

“It was all dark before, we have opened the whole place up,” Ashley added.

“It looks fantastic.”